Leading independent wine merchants are suppliers are to come together next month to take part in an open Harpers debate to look further at ways in which they can work closer and more effectively together.

The combined Chile, Argentina and South Africa Wines of the Beautiful South tasting will not take place next year as South Africa switches its attention to Cape Wine. But Chile and Argentina will continue to work together with a joint South American tasting sometime in London in 2015.

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, claimed this week that of the up to 400 types of business or brands he has worked with in his career he has not come across an industry quite as "truly appalling" as wine.

The combined efforts of the 12-strong trade team that took part in last weekend's Médoc Marathon in Pauillac , Bordeaux has helped raise £16,000 for the Benevolent drinks charity and Vintners' Foundation.